You may love the winter season, but one thing we all dread is dandruff. Just imagine those white or yellowish specks all over your hair and shoulders, stuck to you for everyone to see. Not a nice image.
Most people get dandruff in winter and not summer for a combination of reasons: dry air, indoor heating, reduced oil production in the scalp, wearing hats and scarves around the head, and vitamin deficiencies. Phew, that’s a good lot of reasons, and perhaps you understand what you need to avoid and do after reading those. But these aren’t things you can avoid, can you? Well, worry not because that is where we come in!
Today, just on the brink of winter, we bring you this blog—the only one you need to keep the annoying dandruff in winter at bay, all naturally!
Table Of Contents
- Why Does My Dandruff Increase In The Winter? Is It Normal To Have Dandruff In Winter?
- 7 Natural Home Remedies To Remove Dandruff In Winter At Home
- How To Avoid Dandruff In The Winter Naturally? 8 Tips To Keep In Mind
- The Final Say
- FAQs
- References
Why Does My Dandruff Increase In The Winter? Is It Normal To Have Dandruff In Winter?
Yes, it’s completely normal for dandruff and dry scalp to increase in the winter and not summer. The reasons for this are:
1. Dry Air
The cold winter air tends to have lower humidity, which can make the scalp lose moisture faster. This leads to flaking, where dead skin cells are pushed out in flakes form, resulting in visible dandruff.
2. Indoor Heating
In winter, most people use indoor heating, which further dries out the air in homes and workplaces. This can further cause the scalp to lose moisture. Heating systems also strip the skin of its natural oils, exacerbating dandruff.
3. Reduced Sebum Production
Sebum is the natural oil that the scalp produces, and cold weather can reduce its production. Sebum acts as a natural moisturiser, and when its production decreases, the scalp becomes drier, leading to flakes.
4. Tight Clothing and Hats
Covering our heads with hats or scarves during the winter can trap heat, sweat, and oil on the scalp. This creates an environment where a yeast-like fungus called Malassezia can thrive. The Malassezia fungus feeds on the oils on your scalp, breaks it down and leaves oleic acid in its place. The body reacts to oleic acid by increasing the speed of skin cell renewal, which causes dandruff flakes.
The friction from these accessories may also irritate the scalp, contributing to dandruff flare-ups.
5. Vitamin Deficiency
Vitamin deficiencies don’t cause dandruff but can aggravate the situation. Malnutrition or deficiency of vitamins D, B2, B3, B6 and B7 can directly impact the immune system and increase the risk of inflammation, making it harder for the body to counter dandruff.
Take ToneOp Care’s Vitamin 360 tablets to supplement your vitamin intake—a step towards better immunity, healthy digestion, enhanced heart & brain health and overall wellness.
7 Natural Home Remedies To Remove Dandruff In Winter At Home
Now that we’ve seen how to avoid dandruff, let us take a look at some effective home remedies/hair masks to remove it in winter!
1. Coconut Oil + Lemon Juice | |
Coconut oil massages the scalp, and the acidity of lemon juice helps balance pH levels and control fungal growth. | |
| How to use: |
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Use this twice a week. | |
2. Aloe Vera Gel | |
Aloe vera has antifungal and antibacterial properties that soothe itching and reduce inflammation. | |
| How to use: |
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Use this 2-3 times a week. | |
3. Baking Soda | |
Baking soda gently exfoliates the scalp, removing dead skin cells and flakes. It also has antifungal properties that help remove dandruff. This is also a good remedy for dark armpits. | |
| How to use: |
|
Use this once a week. | |
4. Tea Tree Oil | |
Tea tree oil has antifungal properties that effectively reduce dandruff and flakiness. | |
| How to use: |
|
Use this once a week. | |
Yoghurt and Honey Mask | |
Yoghurt contains probiotics that balance the scalp flora, and the honey moisturises and reduces dryness. | |
| How to use: | 1. Mix 1 cup of plain yoghurt with 1 tablespoon of honey. 2. Apply it to your scalp. 3. Let it sit for 30-40 minutes. 4. Rinse with lukewarm water. |
Use this once a week. | |
6. Fenugreek Seeds | |
Fenugreek seeds are rich in antifungal compounds and can help strengthen hair roots. | |
| How to use: | 1. Soak 2 tablespoons of fenugreek seeds overnight. 2. Grind them into a paste. 3. Apply to your scalp. 4. Leave it on for 30 minutes. 5. Rinse with water. |
Use this once a week. | |
7. Garlic Paste | |
Garlic has strong antifungal properties that target dandruff at its root. | |
| How to use: | 1. Crush 2-3 garlic cloves. 2. Mix with 2 tablespoons of honey. 3. Apply to your scalp. 4. Let it sit for 15 minutes. 5. Wash thoroughly with a mild shampoo. |
Use this once a week. | |
Also Read: 15 Surprising Health Benefits of Milk And Honey | ToneOpFit
How To Avoid Dandruff In The Winter Naturally? 8 Tips To Keep In Mind
Whether you want to prevent getting dandruff or control the dandruff that you have, here are the best ways to go about it:
1. Keep Your Scalp Moisturised
This is perhaps the most crucial and obvious point. In order to avoid or control dandruff, you need to keep it moisturised everyday.
- Use Natural Oils: Massage your scalp with warm coconut oil, castor oil, olive oil or almond oil to hydrate it.
- Aloe Vera: To soothe plus hydrate, you can apply aloe vera directly to your scalp.
2. Wash Your Hair Regularly
- Use a gentle, natural shampoo to remove oil buildup and flakes. Avoid shampoos with parabens, sulphates, formaldehyde and sodium chloride, as these can irritate and dry your scalp, which could lead to a sensitive scalp or dandruff.
- Don't overwash your hair; it can strip your scalp of natural oils. An ideal amount for washing your hair is 2-3 times a week.
3. Use Natural Kitchen Ingredients
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Its acidity is said to help restore the scalp's pH balance to reduce fungal growth and reduce dandruff. You can add dilute apple cider vinegar with water (1:2 ratio) and use it as a rinse or add a few tablespoons of ACV to your shampoo. You can also take ToneOp Care’s ACV tablets for better health.
- Neem Leaves: Neem has antifungal and antibacterial properties that can help fight and prevent dandruff. Boil neem leaves in water, and once it’s cool, use it as a hair rinse.
4. Stay Hydrated and Eat a Balanced Diet
- Drink plenty of water to keep your body and scalp hydrated.
- Include foods rich in zinc, like nuts and seeds, and vitamin B-rich foods, like eggs and bananas, to support scalp health.
- Limit foods like refined carbs, red meats, fried foods, processed foods, and anything high in sugar to control yeast growth and prevent or control dandruff.
6. Exfoliate Your Scalp
- Sugar/Sea Salt: Use a mixture of sugar or sea salt with coconut oil to gently exfoliate your scalp and remove flakes.
- Baking Soda: Apply baking soda directly to your scalp and let it sit for 1-2 minutes before shampooing your hair. It has antifungal properties that may help treat dandruff, remove dead skin cells and reduce itchiness.
7. Protect Your Hair from Cold Air
- Wear a hat or scarf to prevent the scalp from drying out in the cold, but avoid tight hats that can trap heat, creating sweat buildup and worsening dandruff.
8. Avoid Hot Showers
- Use lukewarm water to wash your hair, as hot water can strip natural oils and dry out your scalp.
Also Read: Constantly Complaining Of Hair Thinning And Hair Loss? Try These 10 Exercises For Hair Regrowth
The Final Say
Dandruff is an unwelcome guest of the winter season that everybody dreads, but with the right care and precautions, you can bid it an early goodbye. Using these natural remedies and adopting simple yet effective habits ensures your scalp stays healthy and flake-free all season long.
Whether it’s a coconut oil massage, a spoonful of aloe vera, or a handful of baking soda, you can use your kitchen to combat dandruff. Pair these remedies with a balanced diet and proper hydration to nourish your scalp from within. Remember, consistency is key!
FAQs
1. How do you control dandruff in the winter?
To control dandruff in winter, keep your scalp moisturised, wash regularly with a gentle shampoo, and use natural remedies like aloe vera or coconut oil.
2. Can dandruff be caused by winter?
Yes, dandruff can worsen in winter due to dry air, indoor heating, reduced scalp oil production, and wearing tight hats or scarves.
3. How to remove dandruff permanently?
To remove dandruff permanently, maintain a healthy scalp with regular washing, balanced hydration, antifungal shampoos, and a nutrient-rich diet.
References
- https://www.headandshoulders.co.in/en-in/about/faq/does-winter-cause-dandruff
- https://columbiaskinclinic.com/medical-dermatology/6-causes-of-dandruff-and-how-to-treat-them/#:~:text=Yeast%2Dlike%20fungus%20(Malassezia),are%20sensitive%20to%20oleic%20acid.
- https://www.headandshoulders.co.in/en-in/healthy-hair-and-scalp/dandruff/dandruff-causes/can-vitamin-deficiency-cause-dandruff\
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/ways-to-treat-dandruff#aloe-vera
- https://www.stbotanica.com/blog/dandruff-in-winter-home-remedies-to-prevent-it-naturally?srsltid=AfmBOooZaDNjPPCibKW_euPh65QWns85YwBeH2UsZevWqB4Qjrjm4f5y
About ToneOp Fit
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